I played 20 mins of a semit final 2 weeks after having an op on an inguinal hernia (only had 11 fit players, sat on the bench in case....in case sadly came).....admittedly, I couldn't kick with my left foot (am left footed) was in pain if i did anything more than a jog and of no positive affect at all. If he goes under the knife it's at least a month best case, but I agree, can't see how rest will repair anything.